US6449909B1ExpiredUtility

Workstation

Assignee: STEELCASE DEV CORPPriority: Oct 30, 1998Filed: Aug 23, 2000Granted: Sep 17, 2002

Est. expiryOct 30, 2018(expired)· nominal 20-yr term from priority

Inventors:Mark A. Baloga Carl V. Forslund, Iii

G09F 15/00G09F 15/0068G09F 7/08

PatentIndex Score

Cited by

216

References

128

Claims

Abstract

An information display system is disclosed. A work environment providing a work area and a workstation including the information display system are also disclosed. The information display system includes a track system adapted to attach to a mounting structure and a plurality of display panels coupled to the track system for movement with respect to the mounting structure. The display panels are adapted to present information selectively for display by pivotal and translating movement of the plurality of display panels. The track system may include at least one rail. The display panels may be cantilevered away from the track system at a vertical elevation to provide clearance below the display panels for a seated worker. The information display system may include a plurality of containers coupled to the track system for movement with respect to the mounting structure, with each of the plurality of containers is adapted to include at least one display panel. Each of the display panels is adapted to present information and the information can selectively be presented for display by movement of the plurality of containers. Each of the display panels may include at least one display board. A docking area may be positioned along the track system and configured to at least partially conceal at least one of the display panels. A utility threshold may be adapted for movement along a predefined path about the work area to selectively deliver utilities to at least one portion of the work area. The work environment may provide a work space that can be arranged or divided to include at least one work area within the available floor space. In the work area, the display panels may be moved from a first arrangement to at least a second arrangement. The first arrangement allows one worker to use substantially all available floor space; the second arrangement allows a plurality of workers to share the available floor space so as to facilitate the utilization of the floor space by workers present in the work environment.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified

What is claimed is:

1. A workstation comprising:
a work surface;
a mounting structure;
a track system coupled to the mounting structure above the work surface;
a plurality of display panels coupled to the track system in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the track system for sliding and pivotal movement above the work surface along the track system;
wherein the display panels are adapted to display information on at least one surface and wherein the display panels are movable between a first arrangement and at least one second arrangement to selectively reveal at least one portion of the information and to selectively conceal at least another portion of the information.

2. The workstation of claim 1 further comprising at least one container including at least one display panel of the plurality of display panels and at least one work area presenting an appearance at least partially defined by the arrangement of the at least one display panel of the container.

3. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the track system includes at least one substantially linear rail.

4. The workstation of claim 1 further comprising at least one article of furniture.

5. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the at least one article of furniture comprises a utility threshold.

6. The workstation of claim 2 wherein the at least one container includes a plurality of containers.

7. The workstation of claim 2 wherein the at least one display panel includes at least one display board.

8. The workstation of claim 2 wherein the at least one display panel includes a plurality of display boards.

9. The workstation of claim 2 wherein the appearance of the at least one work area is aesthetically defined by the information presented by the at least one container.

10. The workstation of claim 2 wherein the appearance of the at least one work area is physically defined by the at least one container.

11. The workstation of claim 2 wherein the at least one display panel includes a first display panel and a second display panel and wherein the first display panel and the second display panel are coupled to the container for independent pivotal movement with respect to the mounting structure.

12. The workstation of claim 6 further comprising an article of furniture providing a work surface and the plurality of containers are at a vertical height to provide for clearance above the work surface.

13. The workstation of claim 2 wherein the at least one work area includes a first work area and a second work area physically separated by a container.

14. The workstation of claim 2 wherein the at least one work area comprises one work area configured to occupy a work space.

15. The workstation of claim 2 wherein the at least one work area comprises three work areas.

16. The workstation of claim 2 wherein the at least one work area includes a first work area including at least one container and a second work area including at least one other container.

17. The workstation of claim 4 wherein the at least one article of furniture includes a shelving unit providing a docking area having a space for stowing at least one container.

18. The workstation of claim 4 wherein the at least one article of furniture includes an article of furniture providing a docking area having a space for stowing at least one container.

19. The workstation of claim 4 wherein the at least one article of furniture comprises a mobile storage unit.

20. The workstation of claim 18 wherein the docking area includes a space for stowing a mobile article of furniture.

21. The workstation of claim 18 wherein the docking area includes a space for stowing a utility threshold.

22. The workstation of claim 18 wherein the at least one article of furniture includes a retractable partition adapted to provide at least partial concealment.

23. The workstation of claim 5 wherein the utility threshold includes a utility infeed for providing at least one of a voice signal, a power signal or a data signal.

24. The workstation of claim 5 wherein the utility threshold provides a docking area providing a space for stowing of at least one container.

25. The workstation of claim 5 wherein the utility threshold includes a horizontal beam and a vertical post.

26. The workstation of claim 5 wherein the utility threshold is coupled to the mounting structure.

27. The workstation of claim 5 wherein the mounting structure includes a partial height panel wall.

28. The workstation of claim 5 wherein the utility threshold provides a retractable partition adapted to provide at least partial concealment.

29. The workstation of claim 28 wherein the retractable partition comprises a privacy screen.

30. The workstation of claim 5 wherein the utility threshold includes a wheel assembly.

31. The workstation of claim 5 wherein the mounting structure comprises a wall and the utility threshold is movably coupled to the track system.

32. The workstation of claim 5 wherein the utility threshold includes at least one utility delivery zone.

33. A work space comprising:
a mounting structure;
a track system adapted for attachment to the mounting structure;
a plurality of display panels coupled to the track system for movement along the track system;
a docking area positioned along the track system configured to at least partially conceal at least one of the display panels;
an article of furniture at least partially defining a workstation and including a work surface wherein the display panels are positioned above the work surface.

34. The work space of claim 33 wherein at least one of the display panels is at least partially visually shrouded within the docking area.

35. The work space of claim 33 wherein at least one of the display panels is at least partially physically secured within the docking area.

36. The work space of claim 33 wherein the mounting structure is transportable.

37. The work space of claim 33 wherein the mounting structure includes a passthrough.

38. The work space of claim 33 wherein the track system is substantially permanently attached to the mounting structure.

39. The work space of claim 33 wherein the docking area defines a non-use arrangement wherein at least a substantial portion of the display panels are stowed.

40. The work space of claim 33 wherein the display panels are configured to be at least partially shrouded within the docking area.

41. The work space of claim 33 wherein the docking area is configured to be positioned adjacent to at least one of the plurality of display panels.

42. The work space of claim 33 wherein the docking area is L-shaped.

43. The work space of claim 33 wherein the track system includes at least one rail positioned along a side of the mounting structure.

44. The work space of claim 33 wherein the plurality of display panels comprises a plurality of display boards.

45. The work space of claim 44 wherein the docking area is configured to shroud an edge of at least one of the plurality of display boards.

46. The work space of claim 45 wherein the docking area is configured to shroud at least two edges of at least one of the plurality of display boards.

47. The work space of claim 44 wherein the display board includes at least four display surfaces.

48. The work space of claim 47 wherein the docking area is provided adjacent to the article of furniture.

49. A workstation for providing at least one work area within a work space comprising:
a mounting structure including a track system;
an information display system including at least one container adapted to present information coupled to the track system and adapted for movement with respect to the mounting structure along the track system, the at least one container providing a first display panel and a second display panel;
at least one article of furniture comprising a utility threshold;
wherein at least one work area can selectively be configured by the arrangement of the at least one container of the information display system in association with at least one article of furniture.

50. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the at least one container includes a plurality of containers.

51. The workstation of claim 50 wherein the at least one article of furniture includes an article of furniture providing a work surface and the plurality of containers are at a vertical height to provide for clearance above the work surface.

52. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the at least one work area includes a first work area and a second work area physically separated by the container.

53. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the at least one work area comprises one work area configured to occupy the work space.

54. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the at least one work area comprises three work areas.

55. The workstation of claim 49 further comprising a locking mechanism for retaining the container in a fixed position.

56. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the mounting structure comprises a panel wall.

57. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the track system includes at least one substantially linear rail.

58. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the at least one article of furniture comprises a shelving unit providing a docking area having a space for stowing the at least one container.

59. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the utility threshold is adapted for movement along the track system about the work area to selectively deliver utilities to at least a portion of the work area.

60. The workstation of claim 49 wherein at least one work area presents an appearance at least partially defined by the arrangement of at least one of the display panels.

61. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the at least one article of furniture includes an article of furniture providing a docking area having a space for stowing at least one container.

62. The workstation of claim 55 wherein the container provides at least four display surfaces.

63. The workstation of claim 62 wherein first display panel is configured to pivot at least 90 degrees relative to the second display panel.

64. The workstation of claim 63 wherein the container provides two exterior surfaces and two interior surfaces for the display of information.

65. The workstation of claim 64 wherein the two exterior surfaces of the container are in a substantially facing relationship in a first position and in a substantially planar relationship in a second position.

66. The workstation of claim 64 wherein information on the interior surface of the container is concealed in the first position and revealed in the second position.

67. The workstation of claim 62 wherein the first display panel includes at least one display board.

68. The workstation of claim 62 wherein the first display panel includes a plurality of display boards.

69. The workstation of claim 62 wherein the first display panel is coupled to the container for independent pivotal movement with respect to the mounting structure.

70. The workstation of claim 62 wherein the appearance of the at least one work area is aesthetically defined by the information presented by at least one of the containers.

71. The workstation of claim 62 wherein the appearance of the at least one work area is physically defined by at least one of the containers.

72. The workstation of claim 63 wherein the article of furniture includes a panel wall.

73. The workstation of claim 63 wherein at least one article of furniture includes a retractable partition adapted to provide at least partial concealment of at least one container.

74. The workstation of claim 58 wherein the docking area includes a space for stowing a mobile article of furniture.

75. The workstation of claim 58 wherein the docking area includes space for stowing the utility threshold.

76. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the utility threshold is coupled to the mounting structure.

77. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the utility threshold includes a horizontal beam and a vertical post.

78. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the utility threshold includes a wheel assembly.

79. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the utility threshold provides a docking area providing a space for stowing of at least one container.

80. The workstation of claim 49 wherein the utility threshold provides a retractable partition adapted to provide at least partial concealment of at least one container.

81. The workstation of claim 76 wherein the mounting structure comprises a wall having a track system and the utility threshold is movably coupled to the track system.

82. The workstation of claim 76 wherein the utility threshold includes a utility infeed for providing at least one of a voice signal, a power signal or a data signal.

83. The workstation of claim 82 wherein the utility threshold includes at least one utility delivery zone.

84. A workstation defining a work area comprising:
at least one utility threshold adapted for movement along a predefined path about the work area to selectively deliver utilities to at least one portion of the work area;
wherein at least a portion of the utility threshold is adapted to be supported by a floor.

85. The workstation of claim 84 further comprising a track system to define the predefined path of the utility threshold.

86. The workstation of claim 84 further comprising a docking area for the utility threshold.

87. The workstation of claim 85 further comprising a detent mechanism for indicating the position of the utility threshold along the track system.

88. The workstation of claim 84 wherein the utility threshold includes a data connection.

89. The workstation of claim 84 wherein the utility threshold includes a power connection.

90. The workstation of claim 84 wherein the utility threshold includes a voice connection.

91. The workstation of claim 84 wherein the work area is defined by multiple workstations and the utility threshold is adapted to be moveably positioned relative to each of the multiple workstations.

92. The workstation of claim 84 wherein the utility threshold includes at least one lighting fixture.

93. The workstation of claim 84 wherein the floor is a horizontal surface.

94. The workstation of claim 84 wherein the utility threshold includes a horizontal frame member adapted for positioning above a display board and a vertical frame member.

95. The workstation of claim 84 wherein the utility threshold physically divides the work area into a first work area and a second work area.

96. The workstation of claim 85 wherein the utility threshold is adapted to deliver utilities at a plurality of positions along a floor.

97. The workstation of claim 85 further comprising a plurality of display panels coupled to the track system.

98. The workstation of claim 84 wherein the utility threshold includes a wheel assembly.

99. The workstation of claim 96 wherein the utility threshold is adapted to deliver utilities at a plurality of positions along the floor and opposite the track system.

100. The workstation of claim 97 wherein the utility threshold is movably attached to the track system.

101. A workstation defining a work area comprising:
an article of furniture;
a track system positioned relative to the article of furniture;
a plurality of display panels attached for movement with respect to the track system between a first arrangement and at least one second arrangement and further being extended from the track system;
a utility threshold coupled to the track system;
wherein the first arrangement is configured to allow one worker to use substantially all available work area floor space and the second arrangement is configured to allow a plurality of workers to share available work area floor space.

102. The workstation of claim 101 wherein the plurality of display panels are cantilevered away from the track system.

103. The workstation of claim 101 wherein the display panels divide the work area when the display panels are in the first arrangement and the work area is undivided when the display panels are in the second arrangement.

104. The workstation of claim 101 wherein each of the plurality of display panels is adapted for both pivotal movement with respect to the mounting structure and translating movement along the track system.

105. The workstation of claim 101 further comprising a partial height wall at least partially bounding the work area.

106. The workstation of claim 101 further comprising a shelving unit.

107. The workstation of claim 101 further comprising a chair associated with the utility threshold.

108. The workstation of claim 101 further comprising a retractable partition.

109. The workstation of claim 101 further comprising a work surface.

110. The workstation of claim 101 further comprising a detent mechanism for indicating the position of the utility threshold along the track system.

111. The workstation of claim 101 further comprising a docking area.

112. The workstation of claim 101 wherein the information display system comprises at least one rail mounted on a furniture unit.

113. The workstation of claim 103 wherein the display panels in the first arrangement provide clearance for a work surface therebelow.

114. The workstation of claim 103 wherein the display panels in the first arrangement are configured to at least partially surround a seated worker.

115. The workstation of claim 112 wherein the rail is permanently attached to a furniture unit.

116. A workstation defining a work area, comprising:
at least one utility threshold adapted for movement along a predefined path about the work area to selectively deliver utilities to at least one portion of the work area;
a track system to define the predefined path of the utility threshold;
a detent mechanism for indicating the position of the utility threshold along the track system.

117. The workstation of claim 116 wherein the detent mechanism provides a holding force.

118. The workstation of claim 117 wherein the detent mechanism comprises a stop action mechanism.

119. The workstation of claim 116 wherein the detent mechanism provides a tactile indication when the utility threshold is moved to a predetermined position.

120. The workstation of claim 117 wherein the detent mechanism provides a positive stop when the utility threshold is moved to a predetermined position.

121. The workstation of claim 118 wherein the detent mechanism provides tactile feedback.

122. The workstation of claim 119 wherein the detent mechanism provides audible feedback.

123. A workstation defining a work area, comprising:
at least one utility threshold adapted for movement along a predefined path about the work area to selectively deliver utilities to at least one portion of the work area;
wherein the utility threshold includes a horizontal frame member adapted for positioning above a display board and a vertical frame member.

124. The workstation of claim 123 wherein the horizontal frame member comprises a horizontal beam.

125. The workstation of claim 124 wherein the vertical frame member comprises a post.

126. The workstation of claim 125 wherein the horizontal frame member and the vertical frame member intersect to form an “L”-shaped frame.

127. The workstation of claim 125 wherein a track system defines the predefined path of the utility threshold.

128. The workstation of claim 127 wherein the display board is coupled to the track system.

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